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She has become the young man’s rock throughout his life, guiding him during difficult times in his treatment.

Nominating Orla in both the Unsung Hero and the Nurse categories, the mum said: “She has over the last 20-plus years carried out a huge amount of voluntary and unpaid work associated with her nursing duties.

“I am aware she frequently visits families – mine included – on her days off, often because the birth of a baby with cleft did not respect her work schedule.

“Her compassion for families facing challenging times is always at the forefront of her actions.”

Orla’s fellow nominees for Unsung Hero are James Falconer, chaplain at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and David Nicolson, community service storekeeper at the Western Isles Hospital.